In order to extract fats using the solvent acetone, the material must be submerged into the solvent. The process of extracting fats consists of separating substances from a sample of material (e.g.: the extraction of cannabinoids from THC). Chemical solvents are used to break down organic material for a desired substance. Then, the organic products that the desired product is taken from must be flattened and covered in desired solvent.
The ability to extract fats with acetone can be directly attributed to its properties as a solvent. A solvent is basically what you use to dissolve materials and create a solution.
Properties of Acetone
- Dissolvable in water
- Dissolves organic compounds
- Burn rapidly (highly-flammable)
- Strong taste (nail polish remover association)
- Evaporates easily
- Naturally occurring
- Manmade
- Non-toxic
- Cost-effective
- Low boiling point
- Solvent Fat Extraction with Liquid Solvents
Extracting Fats Using Acetone
The solvent properties of acetone is what makes it such a useful solvent for the extraction process. It is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O and can dissolve other oils, fats, and plastic to obtain a desired substance from a compound.
For the extraction process to begin the organic compound must be ground up finely or reduced so that the solvent can break it down. Extraction is separated by using substances via a sample of acetone. Oils/fats are extracted by mixing with acetone or other acetone soluble solvents (such as hexane). The solution of desired components can be extracted after mixing or submerging the ground up organic material with acetone. After the mixing process, the component can be filtered with acetone again to clear off any contaminants. This process can also help with extracting the compounds that are desired.
Want to find out more?
Extraction Grade Solvents is a good start! If you would like to learn more or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team of chemists here. You can also visit our shop to learn more about available solvent options for the extraction process.